The secret of why McDonald’s Coke tastes better than any other has been revealed

You’re not imagining it. Coca-Cola really does taste better in McDonald’s. When they’re not providing somewhere warm for the homeless to shelter or offering an alternative form of currency, the global mega-chain seems to have cracked the code for delivering a tasty, refreshing Coke every time.

And yet it’s still the same drink as you probably had with your lunch. How does Ronald do it?

It's all about the delivery. First of all, according to the fast food chain’s website, temperature is key.

“The water and Coca-Cola syrup are pre-chilled before entering our fountain dispensers with the ratio of syrup set up to allow for ice to melt,” they say. “We also keep our fountain beverage system cold so your drink can always be at the peak of refreshing.”  At cooler temperatures, carbonation is maximised – you are literally getting more fizz for your buck.

But wait – there’s more.

McDonald’s shells out that bit extra to make sure that the fizzy tooth-destroying beverage arrives to you as fresh as possible, delivering it in stainless steel containers rather than the cheaper bags favoured by more budget chains. Their machines have top-of-the-line filtration systems, too, to make sure no gunky surprises contaminate your drink.

But wait – there’s more.

As we said, delivery is key – and no delivery is more key than than that to your mouth. McDonald’s has its own bespoke straw design that, according to their site, is “slightly wider than a typical straw, so all that Coke taste can hit all your taste buds.”

We’re not sure of the science of all this, but have you ever tasted a sweeter Coke than at McDonald’s? Exactly – see you next time we're hungover, Ronald.